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TomTom VIA 1535
Keep in touch with the fast lane through faster, more interactive navigation
Average Customer Rating:
Rating Snapshot (77 reviews)
5 stars
31
4 stars
24
3 stars
11
2 stars
4
1 star
7
56 out of 77(73%)reviewers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for VIA 1535
Review 1 for VIA 1535
Overall rating
Ease Of Use
4
out of
5
Features
4
out of
5
Accuracy
4
out of
5
Value
4
out of
5
BostonRob
Location:Boston, MA
Primary Use:Everyday Use
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Where Purchased:Retail Store
Great GPS, but online updates are very difficult
Date:February 19, 2013
Favorite features: IQ Routes™ Technology, spoken street names, realtime traffic, lifetime map updates
I bought the 1535TM unit for a couple of reasons... large screen, spoke street names, real-time traffic reports, and lifetime map updates. I like that the unit offers quick routes due to traffic delays. The unit works great. However, there were some disappointments... the online map update feature works terrible. It took months for the software to detect my device. I've only been able to update the maps twice in two years. Both times, the update software totally erased my maps from the unit and made the unit inoperable until new maps were loaded. The map loading process repeatedly crashes (loses communication with the GPS unit). I litterallly had to sit at my computer and restart the process over-and-over again for almost 10 hours before I finally got the new maps and software to load. Also, my old TomTom allowed me to install numerous 3rd party points of interest from the TomTom website (i.e. all the Starbucks locations in the US). This unit has no such ability. However, I was able to locate other websites that allowed me to upload new POI files with a little work.
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Review 2 for VIA 1535
Overall rating
Ease Of Use
3
out of
5
Features
4
out of
5
Accuracy
4
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
SprinklerMan
Location:Ohio
Primary Use:Everyday Use
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Where Purchased:Retail Store
Glad I have it! $200 Perfection? No.
Date:February 12, 2013
Favorite features: IQ Routes™ Technology, Advanced Lane Guidance, spoken street names, night screen, speed warning!
This is my first and only GPS so I'll give you what I've experienced. Not perfect or "speedy" by any stretch but what a life saver! Why did I wait so long? $200 technology and this thing communicates with satelites! It's incredible. I'm the type to want a compass. I don't get why it's missing. Now for the downside; sure this thing can be very frustrating when connected to the computer. Takes a long time to update. I can't seem to minipulate the files to free up memory. So far this hasn't been a problem because the updates are downloaded to the computer first, then replaces the old file in the unit. Good move TomTom. Sometimes in the "thick of it" the view of the exit lane will be on prematurely because there are two exits close in sequence so after missing a turn or two, I've learned to look at the other info shown to make sure I take the right exit/sign. It's amazingly accurate. There have been a couple of "hickups" with directions and planned routes but for $200,,?? I love how it will consult me for a "re-route" if there are forseen problems. Folks, seemingly have had an array of problems but I just don't see them. This model does not "bluetooth pair" with all frequencies which caused me some grief at first so if that's what's important to you, make sure you can "pair" at a store before purchase. When in use, if the thing starts to "hickup", just hold the back button in for about 10 seconds for an on the go "reset". Tribal drums will sound so you know you did OK. Sometimes when it's on and bluetooth is functioning and I leave with it on, it won't recognize the phone when I get back so I do a "reset" and life is good again. The "suction cup" could be more powerful. To cure any problems as I've read about here in the reviews, I just "lick it and stick it"! Now for the "my advise column". My advise; 1) take the time to figure out the hookup online frustration. It's worth it so you can do updates and such with little trouble. Be patient. 2) When traveling, pay attention to the information shown for mistake free travel. Don't expect it to turn the wheel for you. 3) learn to use that "reset" button. I was glad I did. This thing does not match up with the equipment in an F-16 but for what I paid, as long as it remains a workable device, I can see no credible reason to complain, much and if possible, I won't be without one for the rest of my life. Happy travel! S/M
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Review 3 for VIA 1535
Overall rating
Ease Of Use
3
out of
5
Features
2
out of
5
Accuracy
3
out of
5
Value
1
out of
5
Sven
Primary Use:Business Travel
Screen Locked
Date:February 9, 2013
After 3 months my screen wont rotate anymore. Now I can not attach the unit on my windscreen because it wont rotate anymore.
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Review 4 for VIA 1535
Overall rating
Ease Of Use
3
out of
5
Features
2
out of
5
Accuracy
4
out of
5
Value
2
out of
5
Austin
Location:Bay City, MI
Primary Use:Business Travel
Age:35-44
Gender:male
Where Purchased:Retail Store
I travel quite a bit, work and otherwise.
Date:February 5, 2013
Favorite features: IQ Routes™ Technology, spoken street names
Love tomtom for the map corrections, address corrections, etc. A lot of lag with unit while in use;live services seriously lacking, gas prices - better off with smart phone apps, weather - better off with almost any other app, traffic - not worth it, last unit with traffic cord was better. Over all extremely disappointed, you might as well be using a map, most of the time; you are at, close to, passing a turn, or to close to the next one, for the unit to keep up. The cheaper the model, as well fewer services, the better it performed. The last thing you need with a GPS, is to get into any traffic, and have it lagging at least a tenth of a mile behind where you are currently at, unless you are stopped. Over all, I was much more impressed with the performance with the tomtom one, the first unit I purchased. Activating the LIVE services supposed to be included..... could have had my teeth pulled easier, for a third of the price something to consider.
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Review 5 for VIA 1535
Overall rating
Ease Of Use
5
out of
5
Features
4
out of
5
Accuracy
3
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Kenn
Location:New Jersey
Primary Use:Business Travel
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Where Purchased:Retail Store
Z Driver
Date:February 5, 2013
Favorite features: IQ Routes™ Technology, Advanced Lane Guidance, Ease of Use, Voice command and control, spoken street names
I previously owned a TomTom 910 for about 4 yrs. To a former limo driver, it was fantastic. Eventually the battery would not hold a charge, so I upgraded to the 1530TM. I love to slim design and the voice command feature. The live traffic updates worked great until recently the power cable transformer (part that plugs into the lighter socket) started to rattle it would no longer charge my tom-tom. I called customer service and to my surprise they were going to mail out a new transformer cable to me free of charge --what a wonderful thing to do. At one time getting a good GPS signal took several minutes to acquire, however if you download the latest software updates from tom-tom at least every 3 to 5 months, then they will always give you the latest updates that improve everything including obtaining the GPS signal time. The user interface is far more pleasing with tom-tom and Garmin or any of the others and it's really fun and entertaining. Some downloads can take a very long time, sometimes one to two hours. The one thing that's confusing is the large number of tom-tom models with very little difference between the high end models.
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Review 6 for VIA 1535
Overall rating
Ease Of Use
2
out of
5
Features
2
out of
5
Accuracy
4
out of
5
Value
1
out of
5
franfromlv
Location:Lake View, NY
Primary Use:Vacation
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Where Purchased:Retail Store
not happy with new TomTom 1535
Date:January 26, 2013
At first new TomTom seemed fine but then things went to terrible it takes forever to get a signal, I turn the gps off because I get fustrated, it takes minutes to finally get signal. can't update on the computer, it wants to charge us for map updates which I thought we included in the purchase of this model.
My husband has wanted to throw device out the window while we are traveling, now I'm getting to the same point since it won't update maps and takes forever to get a signal, we have driven miles before it starts working.
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Review 7 for VIA 1535
Overall rating
Ease Of Use
3
out of
5
Features
2
out of
5
Accuracy
2
out of
5
Value
2
out of
5
Mark
Primary Use:Business Travel
Age:25-34
Gender:male
Great screen, worse voice command
Date:January 7, 2013
The screen is great. The interface isn't too bad. But the voice commands are completely and totally and absolutely infuriating. Of the 100+ voice commands the one, and only one, it got accurately was Mc Donalds. No address works, not company or retail outlet name works, nothing.
Entering an address is a little of a chore. But not much more so than other gpss. But not as easy as something like google maps where you can search and click.
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Review 8 for VIA 1535
Overall rating
Ease Of Use
3
out of
5
Features
5
out of
5
Accuracy
4
out of
5
Value
4
out of
5
BobbyB
Location:Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Primary Use:Everyday Use
Age:35-44
Gender:male
Where Purchased:Gift
First Navigation Device
Date:January 2, 2013
Favorite features: lifetime traffic
Love this thing, some issues i've had include not being able to put in an address for a destination on the fly without planning a route. Using the lifetime traffic option is great for getting to work but still doesnt recognize a faster route i have to get to work if traffic is bad on usual route? Gives me alternate fastest routes to use, but as soon as i start on my known alternate route it shows arrival time as being faster than their alternates? Also love new update that still shows route and lane guidance in split screen. Tom Tom has saved me so much time especially in snow storms, no more sitting on freeway at a stand still.
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Review 9 for VIA 1535
Overall rating
hkiger
Location:texas
Primary Use:Business Travel
Gender:male
Where Purchased:Gift
Lost In The Woods
Date:December 8, 2012
Yesterday, I had gone into a remote East Texas oil field to find a well.
The location was really in the sticks. After about 30 minutes of not being able to find my way back out, I turned to my Tom-Tom. I really didn't expect it to lead me out because these roads were narrow/dirt/gravel and went every direction. To my relief my current location in the middle of nowhere was identified and the path to civilization was accurate and so easy to follow. I should also mention that I was nearly out of gas! I had a cell phone but no way could I have told anyone where I was. Thanks Tom-Tom. You made a true believer out of me. HK
The location was really in the sticks. After about 30 minutes of not being able to find my way back out, I turned to my Tom-Tom. I really didn't expect it to lead me out because these roads were narrow/dirt/gravel and went every direction. To my relief my current location in the middle of nowhere was identified and the path to civilization was accurate and so easy to follow. I should also mention that I was nearly out of gas! I had a cell phone but no way could I have told anyone where I was. Thanks Tom-Tom. You made a true believer out of me. HK
3 of 3 found this review helpful.
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Review 10 for VIA 1535
Overall rating
Ease Of Use
5
out of
5
Features
5
out of
5
Accuracy
5
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Tazzie
Location:St.Louis, MO
Primary Use:Everyday Use
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Where Purchased:Online
Date:December 5, 2012
Favorite features: IQ Routes™ Technology, Advanced Lane Guidance, Ease of Use, Voice command and control, spoken street names
I received a nextel GPS for a present about three years or so. This product was a joke. I could never find any updated maps for it and the directions were never really correct and it always took me the long way to my destination..... I will never purchase a Nextel GPS again that is if they make them.
I do enjoy using my Tom Tom. It is user friendly and precise. I am geographically challenged and using my Tom Tom makes driving trips worry free and I always make it to my destination on time. Tom Tom is one of the best GPS devices on the market and the prices are reasonable.
I do enjoy using my Tom Tom. It is user friendly and precise. I am geographically challenged and using my Tom Tom makes driving trips worry free and I always make it to my destination on time. Tom Tom is one of the best GPS devices on the market and the prices are reasonable.
2 of 2 found this review helpful.
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Review 11 for VIA 1535
Overall rating
Ease Of Use
1
out of
5
Features
3
out of
5
Accuracy
4
out of
5
Value
2
out of
5
hithere
Location:Ottawa, CA
Primary Use:Everyday Use
Age:25-34
Gender:male
Where Purchased:Retail Store
I don't like it
Date:October 27, 2012
I had a garmin, and then I switched to Tomtom because my maps were outdated and this Tomtom was on sale. So I thought it would be better to spend a little more and buy something newer and with lifetime map updates than to just buy a new map for my old garmin.
Then at first I liked it. So many features that my older one didn't have, like showing the lanes that exited a road, or planning a route ahead.
But then it started to become really "unfriendly". It's slow, unreliable (freezes during a route, and many times I missed a turn because it wasn't refreshing). Sometimes it won't turn on. Voice recognition does not work. The way it attached to the dash is dumb, because you always have to remove the suction cup when you need to update the device, and mine lost its ability to "stick" again.
Anyways.. There are so many things I don't like about this thing. I wish I had bought another GPS.
Then at first I liked it. So many features that my older one didn't have, like showing the lanes that exited a road, or planning a route ahead.
But then it started to become really "unfriendly". It's slow, unreliable (freezes during a route, and many times I missed a turn because it wasn't refreshing). Sometimes it won't turn on. Voice recognition does not work. The way it attached to the dash is dumb, because you always have to remove the suction cup when you need to update the device, and mine lost its ability to "stick" again.
Anyways.. There are so many things I don't like about this thing. I wish I had bought another GPS.
0 of 1 found this review helpful.
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Review 12 for VIA 1535
Overall rating
Ease Of Use
5
out of
5
Features
5
out of
5
Accuracy
4
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
mojo74
Primary Use:Vacation
Age:35-44
Gender:male
Where Purchased:Gift
simple
Date:December 6, 2012
Favorite features: Advanced Lane Guidance, Ease of Use, spoken street names
i have used other devices, but the tom tom just blows the others away. ease of use, exploring the map, selecting where you want to go without knowing the civic address, ( point on map ).
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Review 13 for VIA 1535
Overall rating
Ease Of Use
5
out of
5
Features
5
out of
5
Accuracy
4
out of
5
Value
4
out of
5
Aleks3063
Location:Brooklyn NY
Primary Use:Everyday Use
Age:35-44
Gender:male
Where Purchased:Retail Store
accuracy and any problems
Date:October 21, 2012
Favorite features: Advanced Lane Guidance, Voice command and control
After installing the updates, freezes, long replaning route,make off voice control. Enable voice control back is impossible, just the connection to the PC can help. Some time if you don't know zip code(but you know city state # impossible add an adress# write no adress).
How to fix this problem ?
How to fix this problem ?
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Review 14 for VIA 1535
Overall rating
Ease Of Use
4
out of
5
Features
4
out of
5
Accuracy
4
out of
5
Value
4
out of
5
matif9
Location:MD
Primary Use:Everyday Use
Age:35-44
Gender:male
Where Purchased:Retail Store
One Big Problem
Date:October 9, 2012
It is a good unit except one SPEED CAMERA SERVICE There are no updates available it shows a link to subscribe but when you click on that it show you a page " The Page you are looking for is not available or has been removed". So annoying it gives camera alerts where the cameras are no longer installed and doesn't alert where the new fixed cameras are installed.
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Review 15 for VIA 1535
Overall rating
Ease Of Use
1
out of
5
Features
1
out of
5
Accuracy
1
out of
5
Value
1
out of
5
Michdriver
Location:Mi
Primary Use:Everyday Use
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Where Purchased:Retail Store
Not happy
Date:October 5, 2012
Wow, the first time using the via 1535 after setting it all up and getting an update installed just before use... It froze up right where I was supposed to get off the highway. OMG I ended up driving way out of the way.
It seems there are daily updates to get and have had program issues not being connected then connected blah blah blah.
It may need a hard reset. So frustrating!
It seems there are daily updates to get and have had program issues not being connected then connected blah blah blah.
It may need a hard reset. So frustrating!
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Review 16 for VIA 1535
Overall rating
Ease Of Use
5
out of
5
Features
5
out of
5
Accuracy
5
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
verde
Location:Houston,Tx
Primary Use:Commuting
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Where Purchased:Retail Store
An excellent help
Date:October 3, 2012
Favorite features: IQ Routes™ Technology, Advanced Lane Guidance, Ease of Use, Voice command and control, spoken street names, Rich points of Interest
I am very happy with my TOMTOM. It is an excellent help. Every time I need to go to somewhere it helps me to find the best way to arrive in a short time. I recommend it.
1 of 1 found this review helpful.
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Review 17 for VIA 1535
Overall rating
Ease Of Use
4
out of
5
groovydave
Location:new york
Primary Use:Commuting
charging of the battery/ cutting off
Date:September 28, 2012
Favorite features: Ease of Use
battery does not retain the charge...also cuts off all the time when I have it in voice directions....this has happened to three different units
2 of 2 found this review helpful.
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Review 18 for VIA 1535
Overall rating
Ease Of Use
5
out of
5
Features
3
out of
5
Accuracy
5
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
johnk860
Location:Connecticut
Primary Use:Everyday Use
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Where Purchased:Retail Store
1535TM
Date:September 26, 2012
Favorite features: IQ Routes™ Technology, Advanced Lane Guidance, Ease of Use, spoken street names
My XL failed a couple of weeks ago, so I bought a Via while on vacation and used it a lot.
Traffic and maps are good as usual. Better by lots than a Garmin I also own. Voice command has yet to be used, so I have nothing to say about that.
Downside: Can't update safety cameras. That only works with TomTom home, which doesn't work with Via. There's a note on the website that says to go to a "subscription" - the link is broken. So I have no "free" safety camera updates.
All updates are through the website (which opens a second internet connection without warning, caused some consternation and a little panic within my security apps). There is also a popup everytime I log onto my pc telling me an update is available and to plug my device into my PC. Turns out it happens everytime they update map corrections, which is often. So that's an irritant as well.
Like the device, don't care for the support. I want my TomTom Home back.
Traffic and maps are good as usual. Better by lots than a Garmin I also own. Voice command has yet to be used, so I have nothing to say about that.
Downside: Can't update safety cameras. That only works with TomTom home, which doesn't work with Via. There's a note on the website that says to go to a "subscription" - the link is broken. So I have no "free" safety camera updates.
All updates are through the website (which opens a second internet connection without warning, caused some consternation and a little panic within my security apps). There is also a popup everytime I log onto my pc telling me an update is available and to plug my device into my PC. Turns out it happens everytime they update map corrections, which is often. So that's an irritant as well.
Like the device, don't care for the support. I want my TomTom Home back.
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Review 19 for VIA 1535
Overall rating
annecrs
Location:Naples,Fl
Primary Use:Vacation
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Where Purchased:Online
Best directions ever
Date:September 19, 2012
Favorite features: Advanced Lane Guidance, Ease of Use, break reminders
We just came back from a trip to Orlando Fla. But the different city locations would have been very difficult to find with out our Tom tom VIA 1535, It never got us lost, got us to the locations on time and never had a wrong location. When we turned into a gas station that was not on our plan the Tom tom got us right back on the course after leaving this location. The warnings for stop lights with cameras was a unique feature. Also the reminders to take a break along the way was great as we sometimes do not realize just how long we had been driving and really needed a break.
We only had difficulty with one aspect and that was when we went off the highway or expressway and the system wanted to keep getting us back to the highway. We need to study the manual more to see how to turn off this highway feature when we go to non highway roads.
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Review 20 for VIA 1535
Overall rating
Ease Of Use
5
out of
5
Features
5
out of
5
Accuracy
5
out of
5
Value
1
out of
5
ljhere
Location:Phoenix Metro
Primary Use:Everyday Use
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Where Purchased:Retail Store
THEY DO NOT HONOR REBATES ON THEIR PRODUCTS
Date:August 24, 2012
Favorite features: IQ Routes™ Technology, Advanced Lane Guidance, Ease of Use, Voice command and control, spoken street names, Rich points of Interest
Pros - Great all around GPS. I own a limousine business and use the VIA 1535 daily. An extremely useful tool.
Cons - THEY DO NOT HONOR REBATES ON THEIR PRODUCTS...
Cons - THEY DO NOT HONOR REBATES ON THEIR PRODUCTS...
1 of 1 found this review helpful.
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